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Impact isn’t just about numbers—it’s about foundational change.

For many vocational institutes in India, advanced digital trades are still a future goal. That’s why this partnership with Microsoft and DGT feels so significant. We’re introducing the AIPA program—a one-of-its-kind AI and ML trade for ITIs and NSTIs where such courses are rarely available. As of December 2025, data from MSDE releases and DGT prospectuses reveal patchy but expanding coverage. This survey synthesizes official sources, enrollment trends, and institutional breakdowns, estimating percentages against totals of 33 NSTIs and 14,682 ITIs. It underscores a reliance on introductory formats amid demands for deeper skilling to address NASSCOM’s projected 1 million AI jobs gap.

India’s vocational ecosystem continues to evolve AI and ML integration in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), with AIPA being the primary one-year NSQF Level 3.5 trade for AI programming. Last year, we ran this program across 19 NSTIs. The response made the need undeniable, so this year, we’ve expanded to 22 NSTIs, like the one in Haldwani and look forward to extending our reach even further!

Hear from Bhagat Singh, Head of Office at NSTI Haldwani:

“Before AIPA, we had no computer-related trade. Now, our trainers and students are learning Python and building toward AI.”

This isn’t just an added course; it’s often the first step into IT for these centers. Proud to collaborate with Microsoft and the Directorate General of Training (DGT) to bring frontier skills to vocational education.

At the EduNet Foundation, our vision is to holistically strengthen India’s skilling and education ecosystem. We believe this begins not just with the student, but crucially, with the educator. True change is ignited when we empower the architects of learning in our classrooms.

This is the story of one such architect: Professor K. Rajagopal.

With a remarkable 23-year career in engineering education and dual PhDs in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Prof. Rajagopal is the bedrock of his institution. His journey into teaching began in the early days of his career, right after his M.Tech in 1998. He recalls a natural inclination for explaining concepts, a trait spotted early on: “Whenever the teachers tell something, immediately I stand up and I will give the answer… So with that confidence… there is no fear to tell the students whatever I know.” For two decades, his passion has been guiding students toward socially relevant projects. Yet, even with this vast experience, he holds a powerful belief that is central to our mission at EduNet: “Even though faculty having much experience, without knowledge being updated, you will be outdated.” He describes the value of moving from theory to real-world application:”What is the fundamentals and how we are going to implement in the real system by using the different algorithms?… This type of trainings are very important.”

He was particularly captivated by a hands-on IoT session, where he successfully programmed an LED light, a moment that bridged his dual expertise in hardware and software. But the program’s impact extends beyond his own classroom. He sees this as a catalyst for institutional and societal change. He passionately advocates for more such collaborations, emphasizing the need for support in research and projects: “I asked for help in my personal research… to do 2D innovations… I wanted to go in depth.” He speaks not just of learning, but of a significant upgrade to his existing knowledge: “It was a sharpening of tools.”

His message to fellow educators is clear and compelling: “This type of FDPs are essential to the faculty… they have to know first before teaching to the students.” He considers himself to be very lucky for being one of the 6 faculty members from his college, selected to take part in this program. This is the holistic impact we strive for at EduNet Foundation. By building the capacity of educators like Prof. Rajagopal, we create a multiplier effect. An updated, inspired, and empowered faculty doesn’t just teach a syllabus; they ignite curiosity, guide groundbreaking projects, and ultimately, shape the future of the industry. We are proud to partner with SAP in this mission and salute the dedication of educators like Prof. Rajagopal, who remind us that the journey of learning never ends.

Before the Career Readiness Session, Dnyaneshwar Damodhar Kale, a final-year engineering student, was “just looking for a job in any company.” His goal was to start somewhere, but the path to top-tier companies seemed distant.

That changed after a transformative session with our SAP volunteers. The guidance wasn’t just about skills; it was about mindset.

Dnyaneshwar shares: “Before the session, I was just looking for a job… But after that session, I changed my dream. My goal is now 8-10 LPA. So I can do it, and I will achieve even more.”

This shift from seeking a job to targeting dream roles is the core of what we strive for at EduNet Foundation through #CODEUNNATI. It’s not just about readiness; it’s about elevating ambition.

To learn more about how Edunet is shaping the minds of India’s Youth and building the tech ecosystem in the country, follow us!

After completing her BE degree, Priyanka Rajput decided to get married and settle down. For many, this could have been the end of a professional dream. Now, at 29, she’s reclaiming that dream.

When she saw the ad for the AIMD program, she took a decisive step: she spoke with her husband about her goal to resume her career. At this crucial moment, her husband and in-laws became her strongest supporters, encouraging her to join the program. She is now learning Python, Excel, and Generative AI, steadily working towards her goal of becoming a Data Analyst—the very career she first envisioned in college.

Her story stands as an inspiration to all women who, for many reasons, have had to put their career aspirations on hold. Her advice is for anyone whose path has taken an unexpected turn: “If life gives you an opportunity, take it and use it to develop your career and grow as a person.”

We recently celebrated the incredible journey of our first Hyderabad bootcamp students in a special project showcase with our partner, Freshworks, marking a significant step in their academy’s expansion to nurture new tech talent. The cohort was a powerful testament to second chances, including Class 12 students who had previously stepped away from higher education.  

The event vividly displayed their growth, as one participant observed, from being those “hesitant to come to the stage” to confidently anchoring the event, performing in a skit on truth, and moderating group discussions on AI. Our special guests, Samuel David and Rukmani from Freshworks, offered invaluable guidance, with Samuel sharing three essential rules for success: “Learn one thing every day, do not hesitate to make mistakes, and if you do make mistakes, don’t repeat them.”  

The event culminated in the announcement of the top all-round performers, who have earned a visit to the Freshworks headquarters in Hyderabad—a fantastic opportunity to connect with the tech industry. This showcase was a powerful demonstration of how targeted skilling can rebuild confidence and open doors to promising futures.